Moo by Sharon Creech

Reena's not sure what to expect when her family packs up and moves to Maine, but somehow she hadn't even considered befriending a cow.

Zora the cow comes with an elderly lady, Mrs. Falala, who owns her. Reena's parents volunteer their kids to "help out" at the neighbors, which is a learning experience for all involved.

The book is mainly told in prose, with some well-placed poetic pieces and graphic presentation. Reena's 12 years old, but I think the book could be read younger, too. It's sweet and funny, a little sad and very, very good.

Drunken Fireworks by Stephen King

In the form of a police interview, local lake-shack owner Alden McCausland explains how the escalating July 4th fireworks battle between himself and the rich summer-homeowners across the water got out of hand.

Narrator Tim Sample does a marvelous job with Alden's thick, sloshed Mainer accent and his only slightly apologetic account of the rivalry. And since I live in a lake (Lake Wisconsin) community, this short story rang especially true concerning the brooding tension between the locals and the summer people. Plus, it's very funny, with lots of strong language used to express intense emotion (my very favorite kind of vulgarity).

This is the wonderful, non-scary kind of Stephen King story people often forget he writes; no vampires or monsters, just real people and the kind crazy things that actually happen in life.

*This book has been released ONLY in audiobook format.

Generation Loss by Elizabeth Hand

Ex-punk and current waste-case Cassandra Neary had her time in the spotlight as an art-photographer: That time has passed. Cass may have been really talented, and she may have pissed it all away - but an unusual job request is bringing her closer to real inspiration than she's been in a long time.

This one's dark, moody and gritty. There's an element of mystery, but this is certainly NOT a mystery book. It's a bit disjointed in style, but that plays well with the way Cass thinks and views the world.

How close can an artist come to the edge - looking over the side, studying the shadows - before the darkness sucks them in? Cass is about to find out.